Sergeant Major US Army Ret., Linwood H. Beckett, Jr. 82, of Moline, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, at Trinty Point Hospital in Rock Island, IL.

He was born January 24, 1944, to Linwood H. Beckett, Sr., and Corrine Harmon Beckett in Hampton, VA.

With three decades of service, his uniform is decorated with several of the U.S. Army’s highest non-valor awards for meritorious service and leadership. His tours of duty included Vietnam, Korea, Germany, and multiple locations in the U.S., where he served in various high-level leadership roles overseeing large-scale military operations and personnel management.

Following his retirement from the U.S. Army, he became the Director of Scott County Veterans Affairs, assisting veterans and their families with federal benefits applications.

Linwood also known as “Sarge”, “Beckett”, and “Butch”, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, classic cars, and car shows.

Linwood is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 42 years, Presentation “Pressie” Beckett of Moline, IL; daughter, Tunya Beckett of Petersburg, VA; stepdaughter, Larnette Winston of Las Vegas, NV; stepson, Lance Winston of Maui, HI; two sisters, Gloria Beckett Thomas of Dumfries, VA, and Pamela Beckett Lemon of Hampton, VA; one brother, Professor Elton Beckett of New York, NY; one brother-in-law, David Lemon of Sumter, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his stepson, Lonnie Winston of Ft. Madison, IA; sister, Portia Beckett Jackson of Manassas, VA; and brother-in-law, Claude C. Thomas, Jr. of Dumfries, VA.

 Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2nd Baptist Church in Rock Island, IL.

 Visitation 10am-12pm with services immediately following.